Shoe, in particular sports shoe

ABSTRACT

A shoe, especially to a sports shoe, which includes a sole element and a shoe upper part, wherein the sole element and the shoe upper part are thereby held together that a wire-like connection element is guided through eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and at the shoe upper part. To allow the separation of the shoe upper part and sole at recycling in an easy manner and apart from that to make the shoe upper part and the sole exchangeable the eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the sole element and eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the shoe upper part.

The invention relates to a shoe, especially a sports shoe, which comprises a sole element and a shoe upper part, wherein the sole element and the shoe upper part are thereby held together that a wire-like connection element is guided through eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and at the shoe upper part.

Such a shoe is known for example from US 2009/0313851 A1. Here, the shoe upper part has tube-like sections at its bottom side. The sole has groove-like recesses at its upper side in which the tube-like sections of the shoe upper part can mesh. Between two of those recesses a tube-like section is provided in the sole. So, when the shoe upper part is put on the sole a circumferential tube structure is formed in which a wire can be inserted to connect shoe upper part and sole connected with another detachably. For this the sole comprises in its lateral region an insertion and export channel for the wire which allows the wire to enter said tube structure.

So, the sole and the shoe upper part can be connected detachably, wherein the wire is removed via the insertion and export channel for detaching both parts. This can be used at the one hand to separate the sole and the shoe upper part, which consist normally from different materials, for recycling. Otherwise, so it is generally possible to exchange the shoe upper part and the sole and to continue the use of the respective other part.

It is detrimental at the mentioned pre-known solution that the production especially of the sole is relatively elaborate and thus expensive. Furthermore, the thread of the connection wire through the insertion and export channel is relatively complex and time-consuming. In the case of pollutions and blockage of the insertion and export channel it can be problematic at all to obtain access to the wire to remove the same and to insert a new wire respectively.

It is the object of the invention to further develop a shoe of the generic kind that it becomes possible in an easier manner to establish and to release the connection between the shoe upper part and sole by means of the wire-like connection element. Thereby, at the one hand the possibility should be improved to separate the shoe in the case of recycling, i. e. to separate the shoe upper part and sole from another. Otherwise, an improved possibility should be created to separate the shoe upper part and the sole from another if required and to put together again by means of the wire-like connection element.

The solution of this object by the invention is characterized in that the eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the sole element and that the eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the shoe upper part.

The eye- or tube-like (tubular-shaped) sections at the sole element and the eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part are preferably arranged aligned—seen in circumferential direction of the shoe—at connected sole element and shoe upper part and are arranged alternating along the circumference of the shoe. The eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and the eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part form thereby preferably a complementary and substantial closed eye- or tube-like structure along the whole circumference of the shoe.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the shoe upper part is designed at least partially as an at least two-layer structure and comprises an outer part and an inner part, especially a lining, wherein the inner part is designed circumferential around the bottom side of the shoe upper part and lays on the sole element at connected sole element and shoe upper part.

Preferably, the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element are formed directly from the material of the sole element at the same.

The eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element can comprise a slit which slit runs in the direction of the outer circumference of the shoe and which slit is arranged a the face side of the eye- or tube-like sections which is directed outside away from the shoe. Thereby, the thread of the wire-like connection element can be facilitated.

The eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part can be formed by a loop-like stitched section of the shoe upper part, especially of the outer part of the two-layer formed shoe upper part.

The sole element can comprise a composite part which comprises at least an outer sole and a midsole. But it is also possible that the composite part is made as a one-part element. In this case the midsole can simultaneously form the outer sole; thereby, then a respective dense and abrasion-proof material is beneficial.

In case that the composite part consists of midsole and outer sole preferably a foamed material for the midsole is used while the outer sole is then rather made from a compact material; it can consist of rubber or plastic material.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the sole element comprises a lattice frame structure, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections are parts of the lattice frame structure. The lattice frame structure comprises preferably a number of lattice rods which are connected with another. The sole composite part can thereby comprise groove-like recesses at its bottom side which are adapted to the run of the lattice rods, wherein the lattice frame structure and the composite part are connected with another form-fitted by sticking together. Preferably, the connection is thereby established not by glueing but only by form-fit and frictional engagement which results from the same. Respectively at least two lattice rods lead thereby preferably in an eye- or tube-like section and fix the same at the lattice frame structure.

The lattice frame structure is preferably produced from a plastic material, especially from a compact plastic material, while the composite part is produced from plastic materials, especially at least partially (as mentioned) from foamed plastic, wherein the plastic material of the lattice frame structure is harder than the plastic materials of the composite part.

The wire-like connection element is preferably a tensile strength rope, wherein the rope consists preferably from plastic material or comprises plastic material. The two ends of the wire-like connection element can be connected together by a clamping element.

With the proposed design of a shoe it becomes possible in an easy manner to connect the shoe upper part with the sole detachably. The assembly of the two parts by means of a rope and wire respectively is easy possible due to the defined alignment of the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and at the shoe upper part and the rope and wire respectively can be inserted easily. The releasing of the two parts (shoe upper part and sole) is also possible easily.

The shoe upper part (bootleg) and the sole of the shoe consists normally of different materials which can hardly be re-used in the assembled or connected state by means of recycling and which are only limited bio-degradable as a whole.

But the proposed concept allows it in an easy manner to connect and also to separate the upper part and the sole. The sole and the upper part are connectable and connected respectively by means of a wire-like connection element (cord) by the mentioned eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part and at the sole. The cord is connected detachably at its ends.

At the recycling of the shoe the cord is released and pulled out of the shoe; thereby the sole and the upper part separate from another and can be recycled separately.

In the drawing embodiments of the invention are shown.

FIG. 1 shows the side view of a shoe which comprises a shoe upper part and a sole connected with the same,

FIG. 2 shows the section A-B according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view a section of the sole in the region of the section A-B according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows the section C-D according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 shows in a perspective view a section of the shoe in the region of the section C-D according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 shows schematically the section E-F according to FIG. 1 with the depiction of tube-like sections at the sole element and at the shoe upper part and

FIG. 7 shows in a perspective view a lattice frame structure which is part of the sole element.

In FIG. 1 a shoe 1 is shown in the side view. It has a sole element 2 as well as a shoe upper part (bootleg) 3. Both parts 2 and 3 are connected with another detachably. The connection of the two parts takes place presently by a plurality of tube-like (tube-shaped) sections 5 and 6, which are arranged at the sole element 2 and at the shoe upper part 3 respectively. As can be seen from the section E-F, which is shown in FIG. 6, the sections 5 of the sole element 2 and 6 of the shoe upper part 3 complement one another so that a closed circumferential tube-shaped structure is given which surrounds the whole circumference of the shoe 1 when the sole element 2 and the shoe upper part 3 are connected together as it corresponds to the status during intended use of the shoe 1. In this tube-shaped structure a wire-like connection element 4 (rope) is thread and so the both parts 2 and 3 are connected with another detachably.

The design of the sole element 2 is apparent from the FIGS. 2 and 3, that one of the shoe upper part 3 from the FIGS. 4 and 5.

Accordingly, the sole is composed in longitudinal direction of the shoe alternating sections—as becomes apparent from the synopsis of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. In the region of a tube-like section 5 at the sole element 2 (see FIG. 3) the sole element 2 has a two-part outer sole 11 with a first inner part 11′ and a second outer part 11″. In the region of a tube-like section 6 at the shoe upper part 3 (see FIG. 5) the sole element 2 has, concerning to the outer sole 11, only the outer part 11″.

However, a midsole 12 extends along the whole longitudinal extension of the shoe and the sole respectively.

The outer sole 11 and the midsole 12 are thereby connected to a composite part which comprises the tube-like sections 5 in its edge regions for threading the rope. However, between two adjacent sections 5 a recess is located which is designed for entering of the sections 6 of the shoe upper part 2 when the shoe upper part 3 is put on the sole element 2.

The firm connection between sole element 2 and shoe upper part 3 is then established by threading of the rope 4 into the sections 5, 6.

The shoe upper part 3 is designed two-layer in the embodiment. It has an outer part 7 and an inner part 8 in the form of a lining which are connected with another (for example glued). As can be best seen in FIG. 5 the outer part 7 is sewed at two locations of a seams 15 and 16 with the inner part 8 in such a manner that a loop is created which forms the tube-like section 6 at the shoe upper part 3. In this stitched region a band running in circumferential direction (e. g. a leather tape 17, see FIG. 4) can be inserted between the outer part 7 and inner part 8 and stitched for reinforcement.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4 the tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2 can be provided with a slit 9 at its outwards directed face side 10 which slit is running in circumferential direction. By the slit it becomes possible in an easy manner to clip the rope 4 in the tube-like section 5 during the connection of shoe upper part 3 and sole element 2.

A further preferred embodiment can be seen in FIG. 7 which shows a lattice frame structure 13. This structure comprises a plurality of lattice rods 14 at which ends the tube-like sections 5 are formed. In this case, the outer sole 11 and the midsole 12 respectively are provided with groove-shaped recesses in which lattice rods 14 of the lattice frame structure 13 are inserted (see the explanations below).

Thus, according to the preferred embodiment the sole element 2 consists of a midsole 12 which consists preferably from a sustainable recyclable and/or bio-degradable plastic material. Below the midsole 12 the outer sole 11 is arranged which consists in sections of two parts 11′ and 11″ (namely in the region of the extension of the eye- or tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2, see FIG. 3) and in sections only of one part 11′ (namely in the region of the extension of the eye- or tube-like sections 6 at the shoe upper part 3, see FIG. 5). An outer appearance of the shoe 1 results as can be seen in FIG. 1.

The lattice frame structure 13 (lamella structure) is part of the sole element 2 and is embedded into the outer sole 11 and also in the midsole 12 respectively in such a manner that in the outer sole 11 and the midsole 12 respectively groove-shaped recesses are placed at the bottom side (formed at injection moulding of the parts) which correspond to the run of the lattice rods 14 of the lattice frame structure 13. The lattice frame structure 13 can thus be form-fit stuck together with the midsole and outer sole 11, 12. Hereby, due to the width dimension of the lattice rods and the groove-shaped recesses respectively and their toleration relative to another also a frictionally engagement is created.

The groove-shaped recesses allow thus an accurately fitting pressing of the lattice structure with its lattice rods 14 in the outer sole and midsole respectively. This takes place preferably without the use of an adhesive.

The lattice structure 13 extends totally or also only partially along the bottom of the midsole 12 and of the shoe respectively till the lateral region of the shoe upper part 3. The lattice frame structure 13 is held by the wire-like connection element at the shoe upper part 3. For doing so the connection element 4 is guided alternating through the eye- or tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2 and through the eye- or tube-like sections 6 at the shoe upper part 3.

The tube-shaped sections 5 connect two or more lattice rods 14. The tube-shaped sections 5 are preferably open to the bottom side or to the face side 10 which is directed away from the shoe inner, i. e. they have a slit 9 here; this facilitates the insertion of the cord. Insofar the sections 5 are designed hook-shaped; the cord can then be hooked or clipped in from the bottom side in an easy manner so that a threading is not necessary.

The tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2 are chosen with respect to their arrangement and length in such a manner that at the one hand an even fixation of the lattice frame structure 13 at the shoe upper part 3 is enabled and at bending of the foot and namely of the fore foot respectively no gaping of the lattice frame structure 13 takes place; otherwise the foot should not experience any significant restriction in its flexibility.

The lattice frame structure 13 can flush in the bottom region with the outer sole; however, preferably it is displaced backwards a bit in the groove-shaped recesses in the outer sole and midsole respectively to avoid abrasion during running

The lattice frame structure 13 is produced from a harder material than the outer sole and midsole respectively, especially to avoid a too strong compression and a too strong bending respectively of the tube-like sections 5 which could cause a loss of the connection with the bootleg.

The outer sole 11 and the midsole 12 respectively are preferably produced from a foamed and thus damping material. Its density lies preferably between 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm³.

However the lattice frame structure 13 and thus the tube-like sections 5 consist preferably from a compact plastic material, preferably from recyclable or bio-degradable material. For the outer and midsole preferably damping materials can be taken into consideration like EVA, PUR, PE, but also again preferably recyclable or bio-degradable materials.

The bootleg (shoe upper part) is preferably fixed by a zig-zag seam or is a complete moccasin. The bootleg comprises the eye- or tube-like sections 6 which can receive the wire-like connection element 4.

The wire-like connection element can consist of metal or plastic material. Preferred are aramid fibres but also cords from natural fibres which can be elongated only slightly.

The ends of the cords can be connected detachably by means of a connection clip after threading and hooking respectively.

The connection technique is explained in the embodiment above at which at the sole element 2 as well as at the shoe upper part 3 tube-shaped sections 5 and 6 respectively are arranged which form a complementary closed structure in circumferential direction so that the connection element 4 (rope) is guided in the same which is then not visible any more in the mounted state of the shoe 1.

But other possibilities are on hand which are not illustrated in the embodiments but which can also be used according to the invention when the sections 6 at the shoe upper part 3 are designed as pure eyelets.

So, according to another non depicted solution it can be provided that eyelets (holes) are machined in the shoe upper part 3 in the height of the tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2. The connection element (rope) is then threaded in and also out by said eyelets in the shoe upper part 3 and by the tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2.

Another solution provides that in the shoe upper part 3 recesses (elongated holes) are machined in the region in which the sections 6 are provided according to FIG. 4. In those recesses separate leather or plastic parts can be inserted from the inner side which protrude from the outer surface of the shoe upper part 3 to the outer side and which form an eye- or tube-like section through which the rope can be threaded. Thereby, the eye- or tube-like sections 6 can be designed semi-circular in a section and can so form again a complementary circumferential form with the eye- or tube-like sections 5 at the sole element 2. This solution has the advantage that no threading in and out of the cord is necessary but only an alternating leading through of the cord from the outer side.

A further solution provides that the shoe upper part 3 is designed two-part, i. e. it comprises an upper part which forms the actual shoe upper part and a bottom part—formed as a circumferential band—which is supplied with respective loops (tube-like sections); both bootleg parts are then connected.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 Shoe

2 Sole element

3 Shoe upper part

4 Wire-like connection element

5 Eye- or tube-like section at the sole element

6 Eye- or tube-like section at the shoe upper part

7 Outer part of the shoe upper part

8 Inner part of the shoe upper part (lining)

9 Slit

10 Face side

11 Outer sole

11′ First part of the outer sole

11″ Second part of the outer sole

12 Midsole

13 Lattice frame structure

14 Lattice rod

15 Location of the seam

16 Location of the seam

17 Leather tape 

1. A shoe, especially sports shoe, which comprises a sole element and a shoe upper part, wherein the sole element and the shoe upper part are thereby held together that a wire-like connection element is guided through eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and at the shoe upper part, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the sole element and wherein the eye- or tube-like sections are arranged in a lateral outer region of the shoe upper part, wherein the shoe upper part is designed at least partially as an at least two-layer structure and comprises an outer part and an inner part, wherein the inner part is a lining and is designed circumferential around the bottom side of the shoe upper part and lays on the sole element at connected sole element and shoe upper part.
 2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and the eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part are arranged aligned at connected sole element and shoe upper part and are arranged alternating along the circumference of the shoe.
 3. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element and the eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part form a complementary and substantial closed eye- or tube-like structure along the whole circumference of the shoe.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element are formed directly from the material of the sole element at the same.
 6. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections at the sole element comprise a slit which slit runs in the direction of the outer circumference of the shoe and which slit is arranged at the face side of the eye- or tube-like section which is directed outside away from the shoe.
 7. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections at the shoe upper part are formed by a loop-like stitched section of the shoe upper part, especially of the outer part of the two-layer formed shoe upper part.
 8. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the sole element comprises a composite part which comprises at least an outer sole and a midsole.
 9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the sole element comprises a lattice frame structure, wherein the eye- or tube-like sections are parts of the lattice frame structure.
 10. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein the lattice frame structure comprises a number of lattice rods which are connected with another.
 11. The shoe according to claim 8, wherein the composite part comprises groove-like recesses at its bottom side which are adapted to the run of the lattice rods, wherein the lattice frame structure and the composite part are connected with another form-fitted by sticking together.
 12. The shoe according to claim 10, wherein respectively at least two lattice rods lead in an eye- or tube-like section and fix the same at the lattice frame structure.
 13. The shoe according to claim 8, wherein the lattice frame structure is produced from a plastic material, especially from a compact plastic material, and that the composite part is produced from plastic materials, especially at least partially from foamed plastic, wherein the plastic material of the lattice frame structure is harder than the plastic materials of the composite part.
 14. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the wire-like connection element is a tensile strength rope, wherein the rope consists preferably from plastic material or comprises plastic material.
 15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein the two ends of the wire-like connection element are connected together by a clamping element. 